Yntegra has unveiled a floating helipad for the forthcoming Rosewood Exuma private-island resort in the Bahamas, offering a glimpse into the future of ultra-private arrivals. Olivia Palamountain reports

The Exumas are emerging as a new hub for ultra-private Caribbean travel as luxury hotel groups including Rosewood, Aman and Bulgari descend on the Bahamian island chain, drawn by its proximity to the US and its low-density appeal.

Miami-based developer Yntegra Group has now unveiled what it describes as the world’s first luxury floating helipad for Rosewood Exuma, a private-island resort due to open in late 2028 on East Sampson Cay. The structure is designed to allow guests to arrive directly by helicopter, turning arrival itself into part of the experience.

The floating helipad sits on a mobile, FAA-compliant floating dock system and can be towed and repositioned as needed. It has been engineered to withstand salt spray, strong sun and extreme weather, and can accommodate even large helicopters. Solar lighting supports night landings, while vessels can dock alongside.

The helipad forms part of a wider set of mobile amenities being introduced ahead of the resort’s opening, including a floating padel court and a 13-metre limousine tender. These are being used for invitation-only day experiences that preview the future of the private island.

Felipe MacLean, CEO of Yntegra Group, says: “We are unwavering in our pursuit to craft experiences that are as visionary as they are memorable. Our Floating Helipad ensures that the arrival experience is as unforgettable as the destination itself, inviting guests to immerse in a horizon-to-horizon escape of unrivaled adventure and pristine natural beauty of East Sampson Cay.”

Rosewood Exuma will comprise 33 standalone bungalows across a 124-acre island, with more than half the land preserved in its natural state. Sustainability plans include renewable energy, native landscaping and LEED certification ambitions.

The floating helipad highlights how private-island resorts are using infrastructure and mobility as differentiators, as competition intensifies for the world’s wealthiest travellers.